Winona seemed to be appreciating Reagan’s form at the same time.
Then they ran.
Reagan reached out, opening up a channel with Winona. “Can you hear me?” Reagan asked, focusing on her sister.
“Yes.”
Relief settled. Reagan took this as another sign of their shared bond. They were twins, after all. She was shocked she never sensed the girl before. Then again, Reagan had lived in a bliss of normal for so long, her senses were probably dulled.
To pass the time, she imagined the various scenarios for what was ahead. No matter how she tried to prance around the issue, people were going to be hurt. Her heart ached. Most of her life, when she faced something confusing, she prayed. Nothing formal—just a simple, one-way conversation with the God of her Catholic teachings.
God, she thought, please help us defeat this evil. She was taught prayers should never be specific, but she couldn’t help herself. And, please don’t take my father or brother from me.
Not long after sending her prayer request, they arrived at the cave. Winona and Reagan were halfway dressed when Sasha and Ricardo came up.
He morphed back to human form before Reagan could turn away.
She blushed. At times she wasn’t sure if she was part of a wolf pack or a nudist colony.
Concerned about Papa, she focused on his face. “We arrived safely. How close are you?” She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until she heard back.
“Close. Should be there in an hour.”
Reagan exhaled. She shared the news with everyone. An hour was too long to wait for them, but she didn’t think it was fair to take Winona to her mom and family until everyone was present. Should Winona be hidden until then? After such a grueling day, Reagan wasn’t sure she had the energy to play hide and seek for an hour.
“Come with me,” Reagan said to her sister, leading her into the library. Might as well gather everyone there and then keep things simple. Basically, a wait-for-Papa approach. Finding the room empty of people, Reagan breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Wait, I have a better idea. I’m starving. You must be, too.”
Not quite ready to take Winona into the public eating area, she was led into Papa’s room. Thankfully, they didn’t run into anyone along the way. Reagan told her sister to stay put and promised to bring her back something to eat. “Whatever you do, don’t leave this room. Okay?”
Winona’s nod was all Reagan needed to hightail it to the kitchen. Within a few feet, her stomach started to rumble. She grabbed a couple of burgers and waters and began to head back to Papa’s room.
“When did you get back?” It was her mom.
Reagan stumbled for a minute, like a teenager caught sneaking out of the house. “Oh, sorry, Mom. We just got back.”
“Is Dad back, too?”
Reagan knew she needed to work on her lying skills. Mom would surely see right through the lie about to tumble out of her daughter’s mouth. “No, not yet. Listen, I’m starving. It’s been a really hard day. Let me gather my thoughts. Can you get Nana, Aunt Sarah, and Dad to meet us in the library in about an hour?”
“Okay, dear,” Mom said, hugging Reagan and placing a kiss on her cheek. “So glad you’re back. I hope you found the information you needed.”
Unable to find any more words and shocked at the success of her lie, Reagan nodded. Seeing her mother only made the fear of the upcoming discussion more real. Before heading back to Winona, Reagan decided to make a quick stop to check on Rowan and invite him to the library. She wanted him there.
His room wasn’t too far from the kitchen. Looking around the corner, she saw him on the bed and crept into the room. His chest was moving slowly up and down, and she watched him sleep for a moment. Unable to resist, she walked over, placed a kiss on his forehead, and then turned to go.
“Please don’t leave,” he said.
“I only have a second.” She took a seat on the side of his bed. “How’re you doing?”
“Did you bring that for me?” He motioned to the hamburger.
“Ah, sure.” Poor boy needed some sustenance. She’d just stop by the kitchen and get another one for Winona. “Here you go.”
Rowan sat up and took the hamburger, eating it in three large bites. “Wow, I needed that. How was today? I wish I could’ve been there.”
“Me, too. It was…” Reagan started, but then found herself at a loss for how to describe it without starting a long conversation. “I can’t really get into it right now, but I’d really appreciate it if you could come to the library in an hour. We’re holding a meeting to discuss today. Will it be too much for you?”
“You couldn’t keep me away.”
A smile spread across Reagan’s face. “I have to go. See you then.”
She stood up and started to leave, but he caught her arm. “I liked waking up to your kiss.”
Heat spread through her, warming her cheeks to what she was sure was a glowing red. She was glad the room was somewhat dark and hoped he didn’t notice. She squeezed his hand. “See you soon.”
Before going back to her sister, Reagan picked up another hamburger. Her own hunger was forgotten. When she entered the room, Winona jumped.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle to you.” Reagan held out the hamburger. “I got a little sidetracked.”
Both girls unwrapped their dinner and ate in silence, taking their time with each bite.
“Are you able to reach out to Cheveyo and see where they are? I don’t want to bug Papa. I figure if we alternate harassing them, it’ll be a little less irritating.” Reagan was anxious and wanted the day to end.
“Sure.” Winona stared off into space for a couple of minutes before saying anything. “They’re about ten or fifteen minutes away. We just need to hang tight a little longer. Tell me about Mom.”
“Well, she’s pretty. And smart. She can be tough, but she means well. She’s gone through a lot this year, so it’s hard to remember the more carefree side of her. I used to get so embarrassed when she tried to be hip and cool around my friends. Now, I’d kill to see her laugh and be silly.”
“I never really had a typical childhood. No days at the park or slumber parties.”
Sad for Winona, Reagan wanted to promise they’d make up for lost time. But promises seemed unfair with all they were facing. She guzzled her water and wished the last few minutes away.
“They’re here,” Winona said, standing.
There was no backing out now. “Let’s meet them near the entrance and prep them a bit for what’s awaiting them in the library. Actually, let’s grab them a couple of hamburgers, too.”
Winona chuckled.
“What?” Reagan was so nervous, and she couldn’t fathom what could cause her sister to laugh.
“I can’t imagine him eating a hamburger. Could you grab him something a little healthier?”
“Sure. How about some kind of wrap? I think I saw something like that earlier. Stay with me. We still have a few minutes before Papa and Cheveyo arrive. If we do run into anyone in the halls, they’ll probably just think you’re one of the wolves they haven’t met yet. Are you ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
Reagan understood the sentiment. They walked into the hall and made their way to the kitchen. She grabbed a burger, a wrap, and two water bottles. Remembering Madeleine would be there, too, Reagan grabbed an extra hamburger and water. She and her sister hurried to the entrance. Right as they got there, they saw Madeleine, Cheveyo, and Papa.
“Got you some dinner,” Reagan said, handing out the wrapped goodies. “Figured you’d be as hungry as we were.”
“To be fair, we did drive and not run, but I won’t say no.” Papa shoved the hamburger in his mouth and downed the water.
“Mom, Aunt Sarah, and Dad are waiting for us in the library. Winona and I weren’t going to face them alone. I also asked Rowan to be there.”
Winona took Cheveyo by the arm and leaned in close. “Are you okay?”
; Reagan sensed a genuine affection between the two of them. For all her misgivings, he couldn’t be that bad. She wasn’t quite ready to forgive him for toying with so many lives, but the circumstances were extraordinary.
“Here, thought you might be hungry, too,” she said, handing the last hamburger to Madeleine.
“Thanks.” She hesitated before leaving. Reagan knew their new friendship was tenuous but sensed there was something Madeleine wanted to say.
No one moved. Someone had to break the spell they all seemed to be under. Reagan didn’t want to go, but took the first step anyway.
Papa, Cheveyo, and Winona followed. When they entered the library, everyone except Rowan was sitting at the table.
Mom saw Cheveyo and reached for Dad’s hand. Something about the motion made Reagan want to cry, turn around, and undo the day’s events.
“Mom, Nana, you remember Cheveyo.”
Both ladies nodded.
“We’ll start in just a second. Rowan should be—”
“I’m here,” Rowan said before Reagan could finish. He hobbled into the room, and she pulled a chair out for him.
“Glad to see you up and about,” Dad said to Rowan.
“I don’t know how to do this.” Reagan sent the desperate plea to Papa, hoping he’d get things started.
He must have received her message, because he began soon after. “Reagan and I had quite the day. Cheveyo had a lot to tell us. What we’re about to tell you won’t be easy to hear. But it’s important.”
Reagan had so much nervous energy it was all she could do to remain seated. She started wringing her hands.
Nana reached over in much the same gesture Mom had shown Dad a moment ago. This calmed the hand movement, but Reagan’s leg started shaking under the table. She reached down with her free hand and stilled it.
“While I don’t condone Cheveyo’s actions,” Papa continued, “he did what he did to help us. We’re facing an evil like none of us has ever known. As cliché as it might sound, the fate of the world is on our shoulders.”
As far as speeches go, Reagan was impressed with how Papa was presenting this so far. She looked around the table, trying to gauge everyone’s reaction. Cheveyo’s eyes were cold and unwavering, while everyone else stared at Papa.
“I’m not really sure how to begin, except to introduce Winona,” Papa said as he motioned toward the girl. He then cast his eyes to Reagan. “Sometimes the only way is to rip the Band-Aid off.”
Reagan felt her hamburger coming back up.
“She’s Reagan’s twin,” Papa said. “Susie, she’s your daughter.”
Mom’s hand flew to her opened mouth, but not in time to cover the sound of the gasp.
Nana flinched, but showed no other reaction.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Dad’s voice was stern. Reagan only ever heard her dad sound like that when she was in trouble. Her heart began to break.
“Steve, I know this is difficult, but please let me finish.” Papa waited for Dad to calm down before continuing, “As you know, Susie went to Cheveyo for some help getting pregnant. He already knew about the prophecy. He saw it as an opportunity.” Cheveyo’s hand flew up, and Papa corrected his last statement. “Or, he saw it as Fate. He made sure Susie’s children would have the power they needed to fulfill their destiny. Not long before Susie’s visit, he had a vision of her having twins.”
Reagan, who was still staring at her parents trying to offer some kind of comfort and solidarity, jerked her head toward Papa. Where’d this information come from? Cheveyo hadn’t told them that earlier.
“Wait, this is ridiculous. I would know if I had twins. I’d never forget my own child.” Tears erupted as Susie said the words. She turned to her husband. “You were there. Tell them.”
All the color drained from his face. “Don’t you remember? I rushed to the hospital when I got the call, but it happened so fast. By the time I showed up, Reagan was born. The nurses warned me you were quite drugged up, and they handed Reagan to me. You were out.”
“No, no, no.” Mom was shaking all over.
Pain and sadness attacked Reagan’s body in spasms—the lump that began in her throat spread throughout her entire body, growing in intensity until she thought she might not be able to breathe. What was the point of having powers if you couldn’t prevent your loved ones from feeling pain? Hoping to provide her mom even a moment of ease, Reagan chanted a simple word: peace. She noticed Nana mouthing some words, too. Mom seemed to relax a bit. But would it be enough? Reagan knew there was a lot more information to come.
“Honey, I know this is hard, but it’s important. Winona is your daughter. Cheveyo came here to share his expertise with Reagan, and we need Jackie to share hers with Winona.” Papa’s gaze shifted to Nana with the last line.
“You say Cheveyo ensured the girls would have special powers. What the hell does that mean?” Dad stood, walking over to the man who held the answers.
“I combined a great werewolf with an ancient magic and injected your wife’s egg with it. Although I did require assistance; I am not a doctor, but a few owe me favors.”
At first, Dad seemed paralyzed by the words. Then, in a quick movement, he knocked Cheveyo to the ground. Before Dad could throw another punch, his arms were ensnared and held back by Papa.
Reagan ran over and wedged her body between her father and Cheveyo.
“Dad, please. No matter what he did, no matter what he says, you are my father. He can’t take that away. Nobody can. I love you.”
Dad softened enough for Papa to let go.
She could hear her mom sobbing behind them, but Reagan was focused on her father. She placed her hands on both sides of his face, forcing him to look at her. “Please.” His head fell forward, and all she saw was the top of his head. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around him.
“I think everyone needs to take a breath,” Papa said, laying a hand on Dad’s back. “Do you want to stay and hear the plans for ending all this? I’d understand if you want to step out for a minute.”
“No, I’m staying.” He pushed away from Reagan and walked back to his chair.
“We didn’t go through all of this for you to give up now.” Reagan let the words pour out of her. She wanted her dad to fight for their family—to care more about history than blood. “I’m your daughter. You can’t look me in the eyes and tell me you see anything else.”
“I don’t know what I see right now.”
His words stung, and Reagan fought the tears burning behind her lids. Again, she entertained running as far away from all of this madness as she could. But could one really hide from a prophecy? She couldn’t leave behind the people she loved, including her new sister and Rowan, no matter how intense the feeling of being defeated was.
“Like I said before, Cheveyo will work with Reagan while Jackie works with Winona. Okay, Jackie?”
Still clinging to Mom, Nana responded, “Yes. This pain must stop. I will not let this evil continue to attack my family.”
Seeing Nana’s strength, Reagan was determined to access her own. She needed to be part of the solution. “Papa, do you mind if Winona and I have a private moment with Mom and Dad?”
“Not at all. Why don’t the rest of you come with me? Sarah, sweetie, you can rest in my room. Rowan, show Cheveyo to the command center. I’ll meet you there in a few minutes. Then the girls can join us,” Papa said. Rowan led Cheveyo out, and Aunt Sarah went with them. Papa then turned to Nana, “I’d like to speak to you for a moment.”
Before leaving, Nana leaned into Mom. “Will you be okay for a minute?”
Mom’s nod was shaky.
Nana gave her daughter a kiss on the forehead and followed Papa out. Reagan turned to her mom and dad. “I only found this out a few hours ago myself. It’s hard to believe, but in my gut I know it’s true. Winona is my sister.” She turned to her dad and put aside the mixed feelings of anger and love she had for him. “And you are my dad.”
“
This is so hard. I feel violated. But none of this is your fault,” Mom said to Winona before directing the gaze to Reagan. “Or yours. You girls did nothing wrong. I love you both.” Mom reached over to Dad, but he moved his hand away. “I’m so sorry, Steve. Can you ever forgive me?”
He looked at his wife then each of his daughters. “I need to be alone.”
Reagan stared at his back as he left the room, his shoulders limp.
In the midst of the war of emotions, it was time to plan the war of the world. Reagan wanted nothing more than to ease her parents’ pain. There were no words to provide a quick solution or faster healing; the only thing left to do was fight. Unwilling to leave her mother alone, Reagan and Winona stayed until Nana returned.
“I love you. Winona and I need to go meet with Papa and the others and start planning. But I won’t leave you if you need me to stay.” Reagan meant it, although she was feeling antsy for action.
“I’m not going to leave her,” Nana said.
“Please do whatever it takes to help with her pain.” Reagan sent the thought to Nana and hugged Mom. Nana nodded and shooed the girls away.
Those few steps out of the library took a toll on Reagan. She hesitated before exiting. “I can’t just leave her.”
“I know it’s hard, but we can’t be a family again until Rafe is gone. We need to do this.” Winona took Reagan’s hand and led her into the hallway.
Feeling stronger, she pushed her shoulders back and headed to find Papa. Thanks to the sounds coming out of the command center, it was easy to locate him. Several people were talking at once. He and Cheveyo were the loudest, but all the regulars were in attendance: Rowan, Madeleine, Sasha, and Ricardo. Reagan knew it had to be difficult for Madeleine to be in the same room as the man who brought back such awful memories. No matter how much Reagan believed what Madeleine did was right, and how much she convinced herself, she was still sharing a small space with the man who ended her child’s life.
“Glad you ladies are back. We were just discussing our biggest concern.”
Reagan lifted her eyebrow, wondering how he quantified such a distinction.
Tala Prophecy: The Complete Series Page 29